Slovakia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Bratislava and the High Tatras

Morning: Bratislava

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the many cafes in the city center. Try some traditional Slovak pastries or pancakes.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Bratislava Old Town. Stroll through the charming streets and take in the beautiful architecture, including the St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Old Town Hall, and the Evan’s Square.
  • 12:30 PM: Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Be sure to try some traditional Slovak dishes like gulash, dumplings, or bryndzové halušky.

Afternoon: High Tatras

  • 2:00 PM: Take the train from Bratislava’s main station to Poprad ( approx 3.5 hours). From there, take a taxi or bus to Štrbské Pleso, a beautiful mountain resort in the High Tatras.
  • 4:00 PM: Go on a scenic hike through the High Tatras, taking in the breathtaking views and exploring the unique alpine landscape.
  • 7:30 PM: Enjoy a traditional Slovak dinner at one of the local restaurants in Štrbské Pleso.

Evening: Bratislava

  • 9:00 PM: Return to Bratislava by train (approx 3.5 hours). End your day with a relaxing evening stroll along the Danube River, taking in the city’s vibrant nightlife.
  • 11:30 PM: If you’re feeling adventurous, stop for a nightcap at one of the many bars or clubs in the city center.

Day 2: Banská Štiavnica and the Low Tatras

Morning: Banská Štiavnica

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the historic town of Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the charming streets, take in the beautiful architecture, and learn about the town’s rich mining history.
  • 11:30 AM: Stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants in Banská Štiavnica.

Afternoon: Low Tatras

  • 1:00 PM: Take a bus or taxi from Banská Štiavnica to Tatranská Lomnica ( approx 2.5 hours). From there, take a scenic hike through the Low Tatras, exploring the unique alpine landscape and taking in the breathtaking views.
  • 5:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Slovak dinner at one of the local restaurants in Tatranská Lomnica.

Evening: Banská Štiavnica

  • 7:00 PM: Return to Banská Štiavnica by bus or taxi. End your day with a relaxing evening stroll through the historic town, taking in the beautiful architecture and learning about the town’s rich mining history.
  • 9:30 PM: If you’re feeling adventurous, stop for a nightcap at one of the many bars or clubs in Banská Štiavnica.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union do not require a visa to enter Slovakia. However, it’s always best to check with the Slovak Embassy or Consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date visa requirements.

Transportation

The best way to get around Slovakia is by using public transportation, such as buses and trains. There are many bus companies that operate throughout the country, and trains are also a convenient option. You can buy tickets at the stations or on the buses themselves.

  • Bratislava: Take the train from Bratislava’s main station to Poprad ( approx 3.5 hours).
  • Poprad: Take a taxi or bus to Štrbské Pleso, a beautiful mountain resort in the High Tatras.
  • Banská Štiavnica: Take a bus or taxi from Banská Štiavnica to Tatranská Lomnica ( approx 2.5 hours).

Things to Know

  • Slovakia is a very affordable country, and you can get by on a relatively small budget.
  • The local currency is the Euro, but you can also use credit cards or traveler’s checks.
  • Tipping in Slovakia is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated for good service.

Activities

  • Hiking: Slovakia has many beautiful hiking trails throughout the country. You can explore the High Tatras, the Low Tatras, and other mountain ranges.
  • Cycling: Slovakia has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, and you can rent bikes to explore the countryside.
  • Skiing: If you’re visiting in winter, you can hit the slopes at one of the many ski resorts in the High Tatras.

Places to Go

  • Bratislava Old Town: A charming historic district with beautiful architecture and a lively atmosphere.
  • High Tatras: A mountain range with breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and traditional villages.
  • Banská Štiavnica: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich mining history and charming streets.

Food and Drink

  • Traditional Slovak cuisine: Try some of the local specialties like gulash, dumplings, or bryndzové halušky.
  • Beer: Slovakia has a long tradition of brewing beer, and you can find many excellent beers throughout the country.
  • Wine: If you prefer wine, you can visit one of the many wineries in the region.

Safety

Slovakia is generally a safe country to visit. However, as with any foreign travel, it’s always best to take some basic precautions like:

  • Keeping an eye on your belongings and being mindful of pickpocketing.
  • Being aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Following local customs and traditions.

Language

The official language of Slovakia is Slovak, but many people also speak English. You can get by with just English in the larger towns and cities, but it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases like:

  • Hello: Ahoj (ah-hoy)
  • Thank you: Daky (DAH-kee)
  • Goodbye: Na shledanou (NAH SHLED-ah-noh)

Currency

The local currency is the Euro, but you can also use credit cards or traveler’s checks. You can exchange your money at the airport, banks, or currency exchange offices.

Weather

Slovakia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons:

  • Spring: March to May, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
  • Summer: June to August, with warm temperatures and long days.
  • Autumn: September to November, with cool temperatures and beautiful foliage.
  • Winter: December to February, with cold temperatures and snow.

Getting Around

The best way to get around Slovakia is by using public transportation, such as buses and trains. You can also rent cars or take taxis if you prefer.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options in Slovakia, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. You can book online or at the local tourist information office.

Health and Medical Care

Slovakia has a well-developed healthcare system, and medical care is generally of high quality. However, it’s always best to take some basic precautions like:

  • Having travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
  • Being aware of any health risks or allergies.
  • Following local customs and traditions.

Responsible Tourism

Slovakia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. As a responsible tourist, you can help preserve the environment and respect local customs by:

  • Reducing your carbon footprint by using public transportation or carpooling.
  • Respecting local customs and traditions.
  • Supporting local businesses and communities.

Tips for Travelers

Here are some additional tips for travelers:

  • Be prepared: Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
  • Learn some basic phrases: Learn a few basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye.”
  • Respect local customs: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or cultural sites.
  • Bring a power adapter: Slovakia uses Type F power sockets, which are different from those in North America.

Slovakia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. By following these tips and being responsible tourists, you can help preserve the environment and respect local customs. Enjoy your trip!